This collection of rhyming poems about nature, everyday activities, and God, seeks to spark its young readers’ imaginations. With 17 poems, eight “create your own” sections, and line drawings that could be turned into coloring pages, Imagination Blast is part poetry compilation, part workbook.
The book’s overriding theme is nature. The opening poem, “Spring Delight,” describes the sights and sounds of a spring day: “Leaves falling from the trees/ Slowly blowing in the breeze/ Flowers blooming, their colors a delight/ The sun shining warm and bright.” Later, “Transformation” describes a caterpillar changing into a butterfly.
A theme of goodliness and love of God also permeates the book: For example, “More Fruits of Life” shows the poet hoping to “enjoy a life of spiritual youth,” and “Creation” notes “God’s creation is beautiful/ That’s for sure.”
The poems don’t break new ground; they are very literal, relying on common images and concepts in nature. However, the themes will resonate with many readers; the descriptions are easy to visualize and digest; and the rhythm is mostly consistent.
The black-and-white line drawings sometimes feel rushed, but young readers might enjoy coloring them to introduce the color and vibrancy alluded to in the poems.
Eight pages explicitly ask readers to engage, with titles like “Create Your Own Poem” and “Create Your Own Drawing.” Additionally, a few poems contain blanks for readers to fill in with their own words, providing an interesting challenge.
Occasionally, youngsters might have trouble with a few of the word choices (“spiritual,” “impressive,” etc.). Nonetheless, Imagination Blast will appeal to young people who enjoy drawing and the outdoors, and who have an adult nearby to help with vocabulary.
Also available as an ebook.
